Texas Longhorns' Jackson Jeffcoat, right, brings down Texas Tech Red Raiders' Baker Mayfield, left, for a sack during the first half at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial ... more

Photo: Rodolfo Gonzalez / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Texas' Mike Davis (1) catches a pass for a first down in front of Texas Tech's Bruce Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Mike Davis (1) catches a pass for a first down in front of Texas Tech's Bruce Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Carrington Byndom (23) breaks up a pass intended for Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Carrington Byndom (23) breaks up a pass intended for Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Baker Mayfield (6) runs past Texas defender Jackson Jeffcoat (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas Tech's Baker Mayfield (6) runs past Texas defender Jackson Jeffcoat (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: eric gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech punter Ryan Erxleben (26) runs across the goal line with teammate Eric Ward (18) as he scores on a fake punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. less

Texas Tech punter Ryan Erxleben (26) runs across the goal line with teammate Eric Ward (18) as he scores on a fake punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, ... more

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) tries to make a catch over Texas defender Carrington Byndom (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The pass was incomplete. less

Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) tries to make a catch over Texas defender Carrington Byndom (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The pass was ... more

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Johnathan Gray (32) runs past Texas Tech defender Tanner Jacobson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Johnathan Gray (32) runs past Texas Tech defender Tanner Jacobson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Case McCoy (6) is pressured by Texas Tech's Pete Robertson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Case McCoy (6) is pressured by Texas Tech's Pete Robertson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Bruce Jones is taken off the field by a stretcher and cart after he was injured during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas Tech's Bruce Jones is taken off the field by a stretcher and cart after he was injured during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Case McCoy (6) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. Texas kept possession of the ball.

Texas' Case McCoy (6) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. Texas kept possession of the ball.

A military flyover prior to the Longhorns matchup with Oklahoma State at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

A military flyover prior to the Longhorns matchup with Oklahoma State at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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Texas 47, West Virginia 40 (OT)Record: 7-2

West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkowski (35) tackles Texas' Daje Johnson (4) during the third quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas 47, West Virginia 40 (OT)Record: 7-2

West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkowski (35) tackles Texas' Daje Johnson (4) during the third quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Mario Alford, right, looks over his shoulder as he runs past Texas' Duke Thomas for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Mario Alford, right, looks over his shoulder as he runs past Texas' Duke Thomas for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Charles Sims (3) slips a tackle from Texas' Steve Edmond (33) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Charles Sims (3) slips a tackle from Texas' Steve Edmond (33) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Mike Davis (1) and Malcolm Brown (28) celebrate Davis' touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Mike Davis (1) and Malcolm Brown (28) celebrate Davis' touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Mike Davis (1) makes a catch between West Virginia's Daryl Worley (7) and Travis Bell (26) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Mike Davis (1) makes a catch between West Virginia's Daryl Worley (7) and Travis Bell (26) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Kevin White (11) is brought down by several Texas defenders during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Kevin White (11) is brought down by several Texas defenders during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia quarterback Paul Millard (14) throws to a receiver during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia quarterback Paul Millard (14) throws to a receiver during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) throw to a receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) throw to a receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkoski (35) tackles Texas's Johnathan Gray (32) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkoski (35) tackles Texas's Johnathan Gray (32) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Sean Walters (13) and Ricky Rumph, bottom, tackle Texas's Daje Johnson during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Sean Walters (13) and Ricky Rumph, bottom, tackle Texas's Daje Johnson during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Peter Jinkens (19), Antwuan Davis (24), Johnathan Gray (32), M.J. McFarland (85) and John Harris (9) celebrate in front of their fan section after the team's 47-40 win in overtime over West Virginia during an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Peter Jinkens (19), Antwuan Davis (24), Johnathan Gray (32), M.J. McFarland (85) and John Harris (9) celebrate in front of their fan section after the team's 47-40 win in overtime over West Virginia ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia fans cheer in the student section during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia fans cheer in the student section during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) is sacked by West Virginia's Will Clarke (98) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) is sacked by West Virginia's Will Clarke (98) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas 35, Kansas 13Record: 5-2

Justin McKay #19 of the Jayhawks pursues Daje Johnson #4 of the Longhorns.

Texas 35, Kansas 13Record: 5-2

Justin McKay #19 of the Jayhawks pursues Daje Johnson #4 of the Longhorns.

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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Case McCoy #6 of the Longhorns looks for an open receiver against the Jayhawks.

Case McCoy #6 of the Longhorns looks for an open receiver against the Jayhawks.

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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Keon Stowers #98 of the Jayhawks lines up against Case McCoy #6 of the Longhorns.

Keon Stowers #98 of the Jayhawks lines up against Case McCoy #6 of the Longhorns.

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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Victor Simmons #27 of the Jayhawks tackles Jaxon Shipley #8 of the Longhorns.

Victor Simmons #27 of the Jayhawks tackles Jaxon Shipley #8 of the Longhorns.

Texas running back Malcolm Brown (28) fights his way into the end zone for a score.

Texas running back Malcolm Brown (28) fights his way into the end zone for a score.

Photo: Ricardo Brazziell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Texas 30, TCU 7Record: 5-2

Texas defensive tackle Chris Whaley celebrates after TCU missed a field goal during the first half.

Texas 30, TCU 7Record: 5-2

Texas defensive tackle Chris Whaley celebrates after TCU missed a field goal during the first half.

Photo: LM Otero / Associated Press

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Malcolm Brown (28) finds a hole and runs in to score a touchdown during the first half.

Malcolm Brown (28) finds a hole and runs in to score a touchdown during the first half.

Photo: LM Otero / Associated Press

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Jordan Moore #29 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns, Malcom Brown #90 of the Texas Longhorns, and Cedric Reed #88 of the Texas Longhorns in the first quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. less

Jordan Moore #29 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns, Malcom Brown #90 of the Texas Longhorns, and Cedric Reed #88 of the Texas Longhorns in the first ... more

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Case McCoy looks to throw a pass.

Case McCoy looks to throw a pass.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Kendall Sanders #2 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a pass against Kevin White #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter.

Kendall Sanders #2 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a pass against Kevin White #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Casey Pachall #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs is sacked by Jackson Jeffcoat #44 of the Texas Longhorns as Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns assists in the third quarter.

Casey Pachall #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs is sacked by Jackson Jeffcoat #44 of the Texas Longhorns as Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns assists in the third quarter.

Skye PoVey #7 of the Cougars zeros in on Kendall Sanders #2 of the Longhorns as he catches a pass.

Skye PoVey #7 of the Cougars zeros in on Kendall Sanders #2 of the Longhorns as he catches a pass.

Photo: George Frey / Getty Images

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Duke Thomas #21 of the Longhorns intercepts a pass during a game against the BYU Cougars.

Duke Thomas #21 of the Longhorns intercepts a pass during a game against the BYU Cougars.

Photo: George Frey / Getty Images

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Joe Bergeron #24 of the Longhorns forces his way in for a touchdown.

Joe Bergeron #24 of the Longhorns forces his way in for a touchdown.

Photo: George Frey / Getty Images

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A fan of the BYU Cougars cheers after a touchdown.

A fan of the BYU Cougars cheers after a touchdown.

Photo: George Frey / Getty Images

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Jamaal Williams #21 of BYU looks to run past Josh Turner #5 of the Longhorns.

Jamaal Williams #21 of BYU looks to run past Josh Turner #5 of the Longhorns.

Photo: George Frey / Getty Images

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UT 56, NMSU 7Record: 1-0

David Ash #14 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass against the New Mexico State Aggies.

UT 56, NMSU 7Record: 1-0

David Ash #14 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass against the New Mexico State Aggies.

Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images

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Quandre Diggs of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after recovering a fumble against the New Mexico State Aggies.

Quandre Diggs of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after recovering a fumble against the New Mexico State Aggies.

Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images

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David Ash #14 of the Texas Longhorns scrambles against the New Mexico State Aggies.

David Ash #14 of the Texas Longhorns scrambles against the New Mexico State Aggies.

Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images

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Joshua Bowen #6 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Longhorns.

Joshua Bowen #6 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Longhorns.

Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images

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Andrew McDonald of the New Mexico State Aggies throws a pass against the Longhorns.

Andrew McDonald of the New Mexico State Aggies throws a pass against the Longhorns.

Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images

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John Harris of the Longhorns celebrates with quarterback David Ash after catching a 54-yard touchdown pass against the New Mexico State Aggies.

John Harris of the Longhorns celebrates with quarterback David Ash after catching a 54-yard touchdown pass against the New Mexico State Aggies.

Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images

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Longhorns' defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and Duane Akina, assistant head coach, celebrate a big stop against New Mexico State in the first half.

Longhorns' defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and Duane Akina, assistant head coach, celebrate a big stop against New Mexico State in the first half.

Photo: Ricardo Brazziell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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John Harris of the Longhorns runs into the end zone for a touchdown against New Mexico State in the first half.

John Harris of the Longhorns runs into the end zone for a touchdown against New Mexico State in the first half.

Photo: Ricardo Brazziell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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No. 23 Texas left speechless after meltdown loss to No. 12 Oklahoma State

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AUSTIN – Adrian Phillips stared at his hands. For a moment, more than 90,000 people looked, too. But the football that should have been between those hands wasn’t there.

Somehow, the ball had traveled through them and ended up in the grasp of Oklahoma State wide receiver Tracy Moore, resulting in the touchdown that became the turning point in the 12th-ranked Cowboys’ 38-13 victory at Royal-Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Phillips, Texas’ senior safety, couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

“Stuff like that doesn’t happen,” he said.

Actually, Phillips had his tense wrong. Before Saturday, stuff like that didn’t happen. During six straight wins to open Big 12 play, the No. 23 Longhorns caught nearly every break, benefited from almost every bounce and survived more than their fair share of close calls.

But in suffering their most lopsided home loss in 16 years under Mack Brown, their penchant for living dangerously caught up to them. Phillips jumped a route and whiffed on an interception. Case McCoy kept making risky throws and finally had them picked off. And Brown – who’d spent two months dodging disaster and quieting speculation about his future – opened himself up to the same old questions all over again.

UT (7-3, 6-1 Big 12) played terribly on special teams, committed three turnovers on offense and reverted to its September inability to stop the run on defense. Not even the Longhorns’ history of comebacks – both this season and historically against OSU – could help them.

“It seemed like every time we got something going, we killed ourselves,” Brown said.

Momentum changer

The most fatal stretch came in the final 1:15 of the first half. Leading by only four points, OSU (9-1, 6-1) had the ball deep in UT territory when Clint Chelf fired a pass into the corner of the end zone. Phillips stepped in front of Moore and appeared to catch the ball, but it went through his fingers and into Moore’s hands.

After UT received the kickoff, McCoy made an ill-advised throw to Kendall Sanders down the right sideline, allowing OSU’s Justin Gilbert to make an easy interception and return it 43 yards for a game-breaking touchdown.

McCoy, who threw two more interceptions in the second half, took the blame for UT’s defeat, saying, “It’s on me.”

“I was forcing things,” McCoy said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

But there was plenty of fault to go around. UT’s defense, which had been solid throughout its winning streak, allowed Chelf to run for 95 yards, pass for 197 more and account for three touchdowns.

The Longhorns’ coverage and return units were abysmal, committing offenses ranging from muffed punts to roughing penalties that led to UT starting six drives inside its own 20 and none beyond its own 33.

Still, Brown insisted after the game that he isn’t worried about his team falling apart. He told players they’re still in position to win the Big 12 if they beat Texas Tech and Baylor to end the season (provided OSU suffers a loss).

“You can’t get your head down,” Brown said. “You can’t lay down and quit. You’ve got to go back to work.”